By Amy Jones
Amongst the masses of micro trends that have blessed social media platforms, there is one that stands out. Possibly a result of the state of the economy, the topic of ‘Girl Math’ has come to light, with women around the world sharing their logic for spending. What started out as a fun trend, it has become a pivotal conversation, examining the ways money impacts the lives of women in many different ways, while also exposing gender disparities. Additionally it highlights the impact of surged consumerism in recent years, and how that plays a role in the way we view money and its use in our lives. We need to justify our constant spending using questionable logic, but the truth is Girl Math can be used for good.
We are always looking for better ways to save money, and equally so, we should be mindful of the systemic issues that can often prevent us from making the healthiest decisions around money, especially with a global economy that is in turmoil, and many people still hurting from the ongoing effects of COVID-19, political changes and more.
Before outlining some helpful ways Girl Math can be implemented into our everyday lives, it’s important to look at the origins of this trend, and the varying perspectives it has amplified on social media.
Where did Girl Math come from?
Girl math is term which first surfaced on TikTok. We have all seen the constant TikTok trends that circulate daily, which can be hard to keep up with. Women have shared their girl math logic and many people have reposted the relatable content. For example, one creator shared a post stating that if shipping is £15 (approximately $18 USD), but exceeding your cart an extra £30 (approximately $37 USD) provides free shipping, you are ultimately getting a free item.
Although it is fun to joke about, the conversation of harmful consumerism and even debt has come into play, with some pointing out that although women are stereotypically seen as “irresponsible” spenders, splurging on non-essential items, the data actually shows that men hold more credit card debt. Perhaps Girl Math is something more people should be taking note of, if it means less frivolous spending.
The Dark Side of Girl Math
Girl Math has also sparked the conversion of strengthened, negative stereotypes that surround women when it comes to spending and being a part of STEM subjects. Some have noted that this term reinforces the idea that women are less skilled at mathematical subjects, which historically has been the case. not due to skill, but simply due to being a part of the system that men created.
Not only does steering women away from STEM subjects prevent them from cultivating the skills involved, but this can also limit their spending potential with STEM careers being some of the highest-paying industries. Let’s also not forget that women are also predominantly tasked with managing the household finances surrounding children and caring for them.
There have been a number of articles that point out how “toxic” girl math can be, while some organizations have used the opportunity to co-opt the term to point out some very real disparities that make it hard for women to get ahead in life, and even build wealth long-term. And with the knowledge that companies headed up by female CEOs outperforming those with male CEOs, should girl math henceforth be recognized as an acknowledgement of our inherent ability to make money go further?
Perhaps it is time to change the narrative all round, adopt a healthy relationship with money, and learn how to use Girl Math for the better. Along with recognizing the numerous ways financial disparities still exist for women and girls worldwide, if you are looking to change course with your financial future, here are some helpful everyday ways girl math an be used to help you save money in the long run.
How to save money with Girl Math
Cash is free, so keep it on card
One of the concepts that has derived from ‘Girl Math’ is the idea that cash is free! A silly little piece of paper to spend on whatever you like, if you will. We rely so much on technology to make payments, that the concept of holding cash seems almost alien. Hence why some of the population are so quick to spend any cash that comes into their possession.
Cut the cash spending by 100%, and keep all of your balance payments and transfers on the record, online. Is it nice to find a spare £5 note (approximately $6.50 USD) to spend on whatever you like? Of course, it is, but it’s still money that can contribute to a larger pot of savings. Try to keep cash withdrawals to a minimum so you can have a better overview of what your realistic budget is. Reverse the idea that cash is free because it adds up!
Put any cash into a savings pot, and forget about it!
Speaking of cash, why not use girl math logic for good and simply store any cash away into a money pot? Whether you get cash as a gift, or you receive cash payments from work, put any spare change you can part ways with in a money pot, and forget about it! That way, once the money has accumulated and you need to spend on something important such as moving house, you will have an extra boost of savings that you built up effortlessly.
If you can wear it daily, it’s an investment
Let’s face it, we have all spent on unnecessary clothing items and used girl math to justify it. For example, that festival outfit you loved and only wore once, but claimed you could wear it back to back? You can make a percentage of your money back from these one-hit wonder outfits through re-selling them online, however, making the most of your staple pieces will be an investment. For example, buying a blue dress that can be layered and worn at work, and then styled up for an evening meal would be an investment. Don’t kid yourself though. Be sure to invest in daily essentials if you know they will be an everyday essential piece. Purchasing good, universal, staple pieces will save you money on clothes in the long term.
Making coffee at home can save you money
You can save a considerable amount of money every month just by drinking coffee at home. If you have become addicted to grabbing your morning coffee at your favorite coffee shop and are wondering where all of your money is going, this is a great place to start. Small purchases add up, and your expensive coffee is a cost that can be saved.
Girl math suggests that just by skipping your Starbucks coffee 5x a week for 4 months, you can potentially have up to £100 (approximately $125 USD) to spend on paying off credit card debit, or saving up for a long-term purchase. Suffer from your daytime coffee withdrawals for a few weeks, and eventually, you will feel like a new person with some extra cash to spare.
Girl Math can be used for good
Overall, girl math won’t be going anywhere, but making the effort to make better financial choices means slightly altering its narrative. Girl math justifies short-term spending that can have a negative long-term impact. Switch the narrative, and use girl math to invest for long-term gains, while also paying attention to the ways it is helpfully exposing financial disparities among women.
Amy Jones is a freelance writer based in Manchester, UK. She loves writing about wellness and investment trends. In her spare time, she enjoys reading mystery books with a cup of tea or planning her next travel destination.
